Green Dam Project Gains Arab Anti-Desertification Recognition
The Algerian Green Dam project is gaining significant national and regional recognition for its role in combating desertification, protecting land, and restoring ecosystems. This initiative serves as a foundation for advancing joint Arab environmental efforts. The Council of Arab Environment Ministers, during its 37th session in Cairo, formally praised Algeria's efforts in combating desertification, a decision that enhances the Algerian experience and positions it as a potential reference for environmental best practices and knowledge exchange across the Arab world.
The project's approach has evolved from intensive afforestation to an integrated ecological and economic strategy. This shift emphasizes nature-based solutions and the rehabilitation of dry and semi-arid ecosystems, as highlighted by university professor and environmental activist Dr. Khaled Foudhil. The true value of this experience lies not in its direct replication but in adapting its scientific and field principles to the specific climatic and environmental conditions of each Arab nation, fostering regional cooperation in research and sustainable anti-desertification projects.
The Algerian model incorporates carefully selected local plant species, such as Atlantic pistachio, juniper, and carob for Mediterranean zones, and drought-resistant varieties like Acacia and Ghaf for arid and semi-desert environments. Complementing these choices are traditional hydrological techniques, including terraces, contour basins, and surface runoff collection systems, designed to enhance soil moisture and optimize rainwater utilization without depleting groundwater resources. Furthermore, the success of these ecological projects is linked to generating economic and social benefits for local populations, promoting their active participation and ensuring the long-term sustainability of interventions through local value chains in areas like agro-forestry, beekeeping, and medicinal plant cultivation.
This framework for cooperation extends to proposals for a joint Arab scientific observatory to monitor land degradation using remote sensing, alongside a regional gene and seed bank dedicated to drought resistance. The formal referral of the Green Dam project to specialized technical committees marks a crucial step toward establishing it as a scientific reference, complete with precise quantitative indicators for environmental and socio-economic impact. This structured approach is essential for attracting international climate funding and solidifying comprehensive Arab collaboration in confronting the growing environmental challenges.
